Updates About People

Last week, Republican gubernatorial candidate Congressman John James announced his choice of having current State Representative Jay DeBoyer (R-Clay) as his running mate. DeBoyer been in his role of state representative for the past four years. He currently serves as House Associate Speaker Pro Tempore and the House Oversight Committee Chair.

As Chair of the Oversight Committee, DeBoyer has led aggresive investigations into Michigan’s election system, Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel, the office of Secretary of State, and has led part of the House Republican effort to root out “fraud, waste, and abuse.” His selection is expected to help with the blue-collar, grassroots anti-establishment wing of the party. James’ running mate announcement was made ahead of the August 22nd Michigan Republican Party Convention, which will confirm the statewide candidates for the November election. Alternative candidates can still be proposed and nominated by delegates at the convention.

Current Secretary of State, and Democratic Gubernatorial candidate, Jocelyn Benson, is expected to announce her pick in the next week ahead of the August 25 deadline.

Maysam Alie-Bazzi, a Dearborn-based public education official with nearly 30 years of experience, has begun her new role as chief deputy superintendent at the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Alie-Bazzi most recently served as the Dearborn Public Schools executive director of staff and student services. However, she has a wealth of experience, including previously roles as principal, assistant principal, literacy coordinator, media specialist, and a language arts teacher.

Alie-Bazzi holds a master’s degree in reading education, a master’s degree in library and information science, an administrator certificate, a teaching certificate with a major in language arts and a minor in history, and a bachelor’s degree in communications with a focus on public relations.

Alie-Bazzi succeeds Dr. Sue Carnell, who retired effective July 31. Carnell assisted with the transition to the new chief deputy superintendent.

Three bits of Michigan election news have come out recently. First, Republican Gubernatorial candidate, Mike Cox, announced he was ending his campaign and endorsing John James. In his press release the former Attorney General claimed President Trump’s endorsement of James all but sealed the GOP primary race, which until then had been a three-way competition.

Next, the Michigan Bureau of Election announced that the Michiganders for Money out of Politics proposal had been recommended for certification by The Board of State Canvassers. The Board then approved the petition proposal by a 3-1 vote after the submitted signature sample passed the review process by a margin of nine signatures.The Board will now decide on the language of the proposal and give the Michigan legislature an opportunity to pass the proposal. If the legislature decides not to pass the proposal then it would be on the ballot and in the hands of the voters in November.

If passed by the electorate the petition would bar certain public utilities and large government contractors from making political contributions.

Lastly, Governor Whitmer made the decision to endorse Congresswoman Haley Stevens’s campaign for U.S. Senate. The endorsement comes a week and a half before the August primary when Democratic voters decide the candidate that will face off against the Republican Mike Rogers in November. Stevens lone opponent is the former public health professional and progressive Abdul El-Sayed who has the backing of national progressive figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The Michigan Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, August 4th.